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Published 08:36 IST, October 16th 2024

'Never Stops Delivering...': Lionel Messi Lauded After Historic Hat-Trick Against Bolivia in 6-0 Win

Lionel Messi is praised following a historic hattrick in a sensational 6-0 triumph against Bolivia, showcasing his continuous exceptional performance.

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Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is congratulated after scoring his side's second goal against Canada during a Copa America semifinal soccer match in East Rutherford, N.J. | Image: AP
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Argentina dominated the World Cup Qualifying game against Bolivia with a stunning 6-0 triumph. Lionel Messi was extraordinary with goals in the 19th, 84th, and 86th minutes; Lautaro Martínez, Julián Alvarez, and Thiago Almada all found the net. With 14 shots, 10 on target, and an amazing 73% possession, Argentina proved their might. Argentina confirmed their top place in the rankings with this outstanding victory, thereby displaying their will to qualify for the World Cup. The game was placed in the Estadio Mâs Monumental, therefore attesting to Argentina's exceptional home country form.

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Fans react to Lionel Messi’s hattrick for Argentina against Bolivia

Fans were left in awe after Lionel Messi secured 3 goals and 2 assists against Bolivia as Argentina won 6-0. Many claimed that this was an epic from Messi after his incredible display on his home turf after almost a year. Here are a few reactions on X after Messi's magic: 

With Argentina defeating Bolivia with a stunning 6-0 success in the South American World Cup qualifiers, Lionel Messi had an amazing performance scoring a hat trick.

Lionel Messi also made two assists during the game; this was his first hat trick for the national team in 2024. Lautaro Martínez's pressure on the Bolivian defence started the score when Messi grabbed a loose ball, sliced into the penalty area, and found the back of the goal for a 1-0 advantage. This turned out to be Messi’s one of the best performances since Copa America 2024, where he failed to make a major impact individually despite his team winning the triumph. 

Messi chose to help Lautaro Martínez with a simple tap-in after Atletico Madrid’s star striker Julián Álvarez threw him a brilliantly placed ball with the score still at 1-0. Shortly after, Argentina got a free kick, which Messi masterminded to set Julián Álvarez to extend the advantage to 3-0 shortly before halftime. During that time, Bolivia seemed to have given up against the FIFA World Champions, who have been an unstoppable force since 2021. 

Nicolás Otamendi scored in the second half, but a VAR review decided it off-side because of Nicolás Tagliafico's posture-compromising play. Next, Lionel Scaloni substituted Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, and Julián Álvarez with Leandro Paredes, Exequiel Palacios, and Thiago Almada. Paredes immediately shown his vision with a great pass to Nahuel Molina, who helped Thiago Almada score, thereby boosting Argentina's lead to 4-0.

Scaloni kept turning his lineup and in Lisandro Martínez for Otamendi and Nico Paz for Lautaro Martínez. Then Messi scored his fifth goal of the game, dodging opponents and sliding the ball past the Bolivian goalie. Not too long thereafter, he finished powerfully from the left and completed his hat trick. This was a display of prime Lionel Messi, which fans had been longing to witness for quite some time. Given the fact that Messi’s impact matters a lot in the dressing room for both club and country. 

Despite being 37 years old, Messi has shown his continuing brilliance and effect on the pitch by leading the South American World Cup qualifiers with six goals.

08:36 IST, October 16th 2024